I’m often asked about the process I use to certify Barre Motion instructors. The question is a powerful one, because it gets to the heart of what makes Barre Motion so impactful. The truth is that it takes a very special person to successfully train and become certified to be a Barre Motion instructor. Some people train with us to be certified to teach in the flagship Barre Motion studio in Miami Beach. Others are trained to become Barre Motion certified and teach the method in other, select studios or locations. When I first speak to a candidate, I look for evidence of a history of movement. In many cases, this manifests as movement in the form of dance. I have found that a background in ballet is a differentiating factor. However, movement comes in many forms, and I believe that professionals who are martial artists, equestrians, cheerleaders, or Pilates-certified, for example, can also be successful Barre Motion instructors. The key thing is that the candidate knows how to move his or her body, that is, he or she has the body awareness needed to progress efficiently and effectively through Barre Motion instructor training. Equally important is evidence … Read More

One of the life-lessons I recently introduced to my 9-year old son, Nico, is the premise of mastery. He and I are exploring mastery in the context of weekly spelling tests, poem recitals, book reports, and the game of lacrosse. One of the challenges about embracing mastery today is that it is contraindicated by a society that demands instant gratification, and instant results. We are told to expect to be instantly successful; that we will experience immediate and complete results. We are sold on the Right Now. I try to explain to my son that there is as much joy in the journey of mastery as there is at its endpoint. This is a lesson that can take a lifetime to understand and accept, and the understanding and acceptance only come with experiencing the journey for oneself. As one masters something, one acquires expertise. Malcolm Gladwell magnificently addressed the acquisition of expertise in his book “Outliers.” Mr. Gladwell tells us: “In fact, researchers have settled on what they believe is the magic number for true expertise: ten thousand hours.” ― Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers: The Story of Success Ten thousand hours translates to nearly 5 years of … Read More